Index
Utah 'Free-Range Parenting' Law
Summary
Utah was the first state to legally protect parents who let their children do things like walk to school or play outside alone without being accused of child neglect.
Rights & Rules
- 01.A parent cannot be charged with child neglect for letting a child of sufficient age and maturity travel to and from school alone.
- 02.Parents can let their kids play outside, ride bikes, or walk to the park unsupervised.
- 03.Parents can allow their kids to stay home alone for a reasonable amount of time, provided the child's basic needs are met and they aren't in danger.
- 04.The child must be mature enough to handle the situation, but the law officially blocks child protective services from treating normal independence as abuse.
Penalties
- 01.If a parent leaves a child in a genuinely dangerous situation (like a hot car), they can still face severe criminal charges for child abuse or endangerment.
Verified Citations
Utah Code Section 80-1-102
Source"Neglect does not include... permitting a child, whose basic needs are met and who is of sufficient age and maturity... to travel to and from school or recreational facilities... play outside... or remain at home unattended..."